Tablas Island | DIY Travel Guide
Let’s pick up where we left off. The boat voyaged west of Romblon Island and crossed the choppy waters of Romblon Pass to Tablas Island. This is the largest island in the Province of Romblon.
The 2 hour boat ride was rough. A lot of crying, shouting and waves splashing. The boat crew were on the outrigger of the boat the whole time. Levelling the boat on every wave. As fate would have it, we arrived on our destination without complications.
The boat docked in the town of San Agustin around noontime. It was sunny with clear skies perfect for an island hopping tour. We ate lunch in the town and bought supplies before looking for a boat. Unfortunately, we cannot find someone who was willing to bring us to the blue hole and another Tinagong Dagat but this time in Tablas Island.
Left with no other options, we decided to do a land tour instead.
From the town proper of San Agustin our tricycle driver brought us to our first destination. Cloaked in dense vegetation of Barangay Bachawan, we arrived at Trangkalan Falls. A multi-tiered falls with a wide basin in the middle.
After the refreshing swim, we continued our journey north to Balai Azinan a beach resort in Calatrava, Romblon. The resort was crowded when we arrived. We just ate snack then went to our next destination.
We reached Footprints Beach Resort somewhere in the town of San Andres. Here you can see a long stretch of creamy sand beach with coconut trees lined facing the sea. I love that there were no developments in the area.
Our last stop was a sunset in Binucot beach. A cove-like rocky beach with only a handful of resorts in the town of Ferrol, Romblon.
We checked in at Coconut Shade Beach Resort in Looc, Romblon. This resort has an access to a private beach area.
Woke up on day 3 with a surprisingly warm and sunny weather. We wasted no time and rushed to the beach. It was low tide and the water retreated so far-off that we were able to walk and explore the sea bed.
Next, we scheduled a half day tour to Looc Marine Sanctuary. From the dock we transferred to a boat to the Marine Sanctuary station anchored in the middle of Looc Bay.
The abundance of marine life in this area was remarkable.
After the fun time at Looc Marine Sanctuary, we rushed to check out and catch the afternoon flight in the town of Alcantara. To try and elude the landfall of the super typhoon.
Sadly, we were not able to secure a slot on the last flight before halting air and sea operations.
Instead of worrying what we cannot control, we just celebrated Apple’s birthday with a Lechon in an eatery in front of the airport.
Locals told us to look for an accommodation in the town proper and wait until the typhoon pass. They even accompanied us and help look for one. After several tries, we found an Inn beside the basketball court, near the town hall.
Alcantara is a quiet coastal town in Tablas Island. With not much to do, we explored Alcantara’s plaza, play cards and drink a little (I mean a lot :D).
Roblon was ravaged by the super typhoon. Two days have passed before the sun peeked again.
While the town’s people cleanup the aftermath of the super typhoon, we’ve went for a visit to Aglicay Beach Resort - Hidden behind rolling hills facing a cove with white sand beach and turquoise water.
Next, we went back to our accommodation and checked out. We travelled to the town of Odiongan and take a chance for the earliest ferry trip back to Manila.
When we arrived in Odiongan Port and learned that the earliest possible trip was scheduled the next day. With this, we went and checked in at Harbour Chateau near Odiiongan port. Here we celebrated Vinse’s birthday.
On our 7th day in Romblon, we heard the news that ferry operations will resume that afternoon. We rushed to the port to buy our tickets as early as possible. Then, waited for the afternoon schedule in a coffee shop in Odiongan.
From a 3 day Romblon trip, we were stranded up to 7 days. Even if the situation did not allow us visit the top destinations of Romblon like; Cobrador Island, Tinagong Dagat and Blue Hole. We had the opportunity to see hidden gems of the island, a rough boat ride experience and the hospitality of the town of Alcantara. We even celebrated 2 simple but memorable birthdays in this trip. With all the bumps along our Romblon trip, we still manage to move forward and enjoy the moment.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TABLAS ISLAND
The best time to visit Tablas Island is during dry season. This is from December to May. I recommend visiting during the cooler months from December to February. This is to avoid the tourist boom during summer.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO TABLAS ISLAND
Beachwear
Swimwear
Sandals / Slippers
Snorkeling Gear
Fins
Protection from the sun
Beach mat
Towel
Dry bag
Tumbler
Trash bag
Camera / Action Cam
Batteries /Memory Cards
Laptop
Universal Adaptor
Powerbank
Charger
HOW TO GET TO TABLAS ISLAND FROM MANILA
The most affordable way to get to Romblon Island from Manila is via a ferry ride (RORO). In Manila, go to Buendia corner Taft and ride a bus going to Batangas Pier via CALABARZON Expressway. Travel time is around 2-3 hours.
In Batangas Pier, ride a ferry (RORO) to Odiongan. Travel time is approximately 8 hours.
Or, ride a ferry (RORO) to Romblon. Travel time is approximately 8 hours. Then transfer to a passenger boat to San Agustin. Travel time is 2 hours.
TABLAS ISLAND BUDGET AND ITINERARY
Sharing 2 budget for your reference. Both are computed based on a group of 5. You can still lower the cost on food and accommodation.
The estimated budget for an overnight trip to Tablas Island is Php6,000.00. Computation is based on a group of 5. See breakdown below:
The estimated budget for a 3 days 2 nights trip to Romblon is Php8,000.00. Computation is based on a group of 5. See breakdown of expense below:
NOTE: Prices indicated above may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING TABLAS ISLAND
There are plenty of bus companies with hourly trip to Batangas Pier. Fastest way is taking the route via CALABARZON expressway.
There’s a direct route in Batangas Pier to Odiongan.
Rombon is still under developed. Do not expect big malls, fast food restaurants and high-end resorts in this island.
Transportation
Tricycle is the mode of transportation going around the island.
Public buses are also available in Tablas Island.
Tours
Tricycle also offers land tours.
It is important to agree first on the tour details before the tour.
Food is not included in tours.
Food
There are plenty of carinderias and eateries in the area that are affordable
We’ve tried the following restaurants:
Rendevous
A restaurant that servers local dishes near San Agustin port.
A local restaurant that serves Filipino dishes, pizzas, shakes and more.
Located In Alcantara, Romblon.
A Restaurant and a Café.
Affordable and decent serving size.
They accommodated us when we were stranded in Romblon. If you happen to visit the area, definitely recommended.
Accommodation
Coconut Shade Beach Resort
A resort in Looc, Romblon with fully furnished cabanas (Kubo) and a beach access.
V&V Wonderlust Inn
Located in Poblacion, Alcantara.
Beside the covered court near the town hall.
Very affordable.
This is where we stayed where we were stranded.
Cash basis.
We saw only 1 ATM when we were stranded. Bring enough cash before going to Romblon.
Signal is weak in remote places.
TABLAS ISLAND TRAVEL TIPS
Check the weather
For convenience don’t bring luggage. Travelling around Romblon is easier in bags.
You should be on your way to Batangas around 5PM. This way you have enough time to buy tickets and catch the ferry (RORO). Ferry will depart at 9PM.
A direct ferry to Tablas Island departs at 8PM.
Ferry schedule is not daily.
In Batangas Pier, go straight to ticketing counters. Do not talk to scalpers to avoid scam.
There are plenty of tricycle outside of Romblon Port. Ask around to know the rate for tours.
Before proceeding with the tours, make sure to confirm the activities / itinerary and the rates from the tour guide.
For big groups, tricycles can only accommodate 5 pax plus bags and that’s already pushing it. If you prefer convenience, just hire another trike.
For Island Hopping Tour, look for a medium to large boat. It will cost you more but will make the boat ride comfortable.
Food is not included in tours, bring snacks and drinks. Also, bring some for your tour guide.
Do not leave trash behind.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”
See you on my next adventure…. Peace!
This is a DIY Travel Guide to Romblon. Explored the tourist destinations of Tablas Island.